Getting Started In Mountain Biking | Beginners Guide To MTB

Most people know how to ride a bike, and if you don’t, you’re definitely missing out! You might be partial to the odd Sunday cruise around country lanes, maybe you’re an experienced road cyclist, maybe you’ve just bought a shiny new bike. Here's how to make the change from cyclist to mountain biker!
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How did you get started in mountain biking?
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The Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN) is the world’s largest and fastest-growing online mountain bike channel and community - and your destination for the best mountain bike content in the world.
GMBN is dedicated to inspiring and unlocking your riding potential. Our videos cater to fans of every mountain bike discipline: from mile-munching cross-country (XC) riders, through adrenaline-fuelled dirt jumpers, gravity-hungry downhillers or aspiring enduro racers, and beyond.
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gmbn]

How did you get started in mountain biking?

[@morgandavies2610]

I had my new 24 inch bike and my dad took me on my first green and I loved the adrenaline and its gone from there

[@radzieckigraczproductions3]

Got an old 26 inch 8x3 bike and yes

[@curlysmtbadventures2430]

Wanted something other than bmx

[@robinvandercruijsen7089]

I used to race bmx competed in the european championship twice but got boring an the jumps are way more fun on mtb

[@sebastianlukevillaruz3397]

I started in lockdown

[@SirKillBill]

Step 1: find a bike that isn’t sold out...

[@stylomtb2948]

There are winners and losers in a global pandemic.... Bike shops ☑️ Eveyone else ❎

[@MrMeddlinG]

@@stylomtb2948 Bike shops aren't necessarily winners, yes, the demand for bikes is higher, but the main reason all bikes are near sold-out is the global insufficiency of components (which often stems from even lack of primary materials - metals etc.).

[@stylomtb2948]

Fair doo's..... Just a light-hearted comment. Appreciate that things are never as simple as they seem 👍

[@alprobert]

Try finding an exercise bike that isn't overpriced cheap tat at the momemt too!

[@mountainsteward7776]

@@stylomtb2948 bike shops are not exactly cleaning up right now. The supply chain has been Interrupted and they can't get bikes to sell to consumers so a lot of folks are buying bikes online. I can't imagine being a shop owner and seeing this boom and not be able to get bikes in stock. Bike manufacturers are cleaning up because everything they can manufacture is selling, however they can't get the components for their builds so it's another catch 22. A lot are sold out until 2022 which means besides presales a lot of shops basically won't have a bike to sell through this summer season unless things change.

[@felixh6820]

And please remember: There's a huge difference between Trial bikes and Trail bikes!

[@jordan4474]

... which my father won’t understand 🙃😂

[@dystopiaisutopia]

Trials*

[@mara2382]

😂😂 just read there's a huge difference between trail bikes and trail bikes and though "yeah, there truly is..."

[@ryandale]

😆

[@nope929]

@@jordan4474 you mean his wallet won't, cause bikes are expensive

[@karlcorrz]

-Buy tools, buy parts, buy more tools to install the parts -spend less time at work doing work, and more time looking at bikes

[@dagabr1el]

A man of culture, I see 👌 😂

[@mountainsteward7776]

Couldn't have said it any better 😂😂

[@vtecmossy]

You gotta buy bikes to at least like 20 a year keep about 4 min just for looking at 🤔😁

[@waltchui]

...and time on strava planning routes

[@Dark__Thoughts]

Haha. I am building my first bike, and I feel the tools and stuff is like 1/3 of the price of the bike already. There's always just another tool you need.

[@KrisPaulVibes]

I love the part about roadbike. Blake: You don’t need it. We mountain bikers. 😂👌 you made my day Blake.

[@gmbn]

😂 It's true!

[@TheGeoffreyDyck]

@@gmbn Tell that to Neil

[@JEJEMONSLAYER]

🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@bongers94]

Amen to that🍺

[@ibropwns]

Hahahha that ending was legendary

[@derpycyclistjr.1943]

Can't recommend enough to watch 'How to be a mountain biker' by IFHT after this one. It's more... complex.

[@BoomKillerE]

Yes

[@hfjbtn17cf58]

That's the reason how I got my mates to ride a mountain bike.

[@ruairikelly1302]

I’ve watched it about seventeen times.

[@karlcorrz]

watched it 26 times

[@felixfam0481]

Well I'm gonna go watch it again for like the 30th time since you mentioned it

[@ripapa6355]

"Go to another country, like Whistler" The rest of Canada: "Blakie, why you gotta do us like that?"

[@dagabr1el]

Everyone seeing this MUST basically watch “How to be a mountain biker” by IFHT films. That one’s like one of the most appreciated videos in the mtb community, just like simply every other video of them. But this video definitely is really good ,too. 🔥 Love GMBN 👌

[@JohnnyWhoLoLsFirst]

And how to buy a mountainbike

[@melwestlake8539]

Absolutely! My daughter and I laugh out loud every time we watch those. So funny and so true!

[@danielstormy3660]

@@JohnnyWhoLoLsFirst +n1

[@rohanchivukula2809]

How to buy a mountain bike is the greatest mtb video of all time lol

[@mikereynoldsguitar502]

just watched that hahahahah funny but true

[@davidleemann7395]

"Road bike, you don't need it" 😂 Blake is the best

[@edgarcastillo7005]

Don't wear hoodies riding SamPilgrim: hippity hoppity jumping riding with my hoodie

[@tomasdoricak6475]

Let's do a bar spin!! Heheeeej 😂😂

[@PeteBemmer]

... and wearing tight black jeans!

[@aidanhunter6195]

And Fabio Wibmer lol

[@braziluluwita8268]

I love watching him. He is so full of life, never a dull moment.😂🤣👌👏👍

[@stuartallars6209]

I stumbled across a GMBN video a couple of months ago, and it inspired me to get a mtb, I LOVE IT!!! And I'm 46 😆🤣 never too old to start something new, Thank-you guys😃😃👍

[@jcrb8894]

Enjoy

[@bonz328]

I'm hearing ya..im 46 also and just started on mtb ,I absolutely love it!

[@mtbwithterry7258]

Never too old! Go out and Enjoy! If you're planning ahead and want to check where to ride, check our KZbin Chanel where we show trails in the UK.

[@clintangelomercado8461]

looking for this comment, I'm 40 and I'm having a doubt if I'm too old for mtb! Gotta try it!

[@peterlainey5702]

Bought my 9 year old a 24" trek precaliber for Christmas. He wanted to "really ride" and I started looking into MTB since I used to BMX when I was 16 (38 now lol). I caught the MTB bug and started searching for a first MTB. Found a Trek Roscoe 7 almost 2 hours away as all my LBS were sold out. Now my 8 year old has a Giant , my wife has a Giant Talon 4 and my daughter a Talon 4 as well!! Was so stoked when we went to the little local skills park and my boys were hitting small jumps, wife and daughter a 6 foot roll in and my skinny game is getting better! We did a run at The HULK here in Myrtle today and it was fun but kicked my old ass!!

[@darylhunter3468]

Anytime I see a vid from Blake , it brightens my day. What a great energy !

[@CostinMTB]

Man, everytime I watch your videos you lift my spirit up and make me laugh. I like your personality

[@kebfunau]

I love this video. I was a road biker for couple of years before Covid, then I tried MTB during covid outbreak to isolate myself by going to some mountain trails, now I love mountain biking, it's a lot of fun and challenges than those monotonous concrete road riding.

[@justinrickard5972]

Always a pleasure watching you Blake. Always feel like I need to ride after watching your videos

[@its_nygl1568]

Next time on GMBN we will learn how to ride whistler with unicycles

[@k-9teamzagrebschoolfordogs68]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Basement_CNC]

next up : how to unicorn the moonbooter🤣lel

[@eejjjj82]

Blake just makes me smile whenever i see his videos. Good on you dude. Your energy is contagious

[@mtbwithterry7258]

He is also nice in person, considering he is popular, he is not a snob...

[@platty-wv8uk]

The love for being outdoors all day everyday but also i suffer from ADHD, but it helps somewhat with that little bit of confidence 😂

[@soniao8886]

I’m temporarily in a plains region, so watching your vid is as close as I’ll get to mountain biking for awhile. Never wore knee pads, even when descending big, rocky stairs. Now at double your age and getting creaky, I may buy some when I next ride somewhere rocky. While I love my pedals with pins, it helps to be clipped in when descending rocky trails. Full-fingered gloves offer protection from scratchy bushes, while sunglasses protect my eyes on long downhills from dirt, and from getting a branch in my eye from a fall. 9:22 is the best. Hundreds of road cyclers ride through my hometown nearly every weekend, and many ride up and down our canyons. One word describes it best: bo-ring.

[@cgriggsiv]

Yes Blake number one part of being a mountain biker is safety Then going to your local bike Park or your local trail bike section and with whatever skill set you have go have fun

[@petermiller6629]

I LOVE My one Bike; which is a MTB an Enduro a Cross Country a Trail and sometimes a Road Bike. I have the most fun, reliable and very durable bicycle ever, I own a Schwinn, the Harley Davidson of Bicycles.

[@onesoldsoul]

Love it great vid. Bang on for me. Mid 40s. Been riding >4 yrs as just moved Cwmcarn. Now got new Shred and Crush as stable (had DJ too to learn on for few years). Smashing trails hard. Building too. Live n breath mtb now. Morzine this year 2nd time🤞

[@horusgarcia1]

My origin story is actually a great one. My uncle invited me to GCNSP in SA, TX with a group. I brought a hybrid 26" 90 mm travel and a spring seat. For some reason, my bike and I survived and I was official in the team. Now I have two bikes; hardtail and full sus., I am getting better everyday, my bikes are worth more than my cars. I think I am a MTBer because I begin to fall apart mentally when I am away from the trails and I can't get enough of these channels.

[@barbedwirerat661]

Thanks for remembering all us newbs (what is a newbie in mtb lingo I wonder?) trying out mtb for the first time...or for me the first time in a very long time since my first/only hardtail purchase back in '95. Diamondback with quill stem, RST elastomer fork. Only rode flat trails. Then set aside for the last 15 years. I recently jumped on an opportunity to buy a co-workers old-spec 2010 Marin AT...I wanted to see what full suspension was all about. So much to learn now! Just taking it slow and easy to start; having fun with it. It's capability far exceeds my skill! I think this is a great use case for an old spec mtb.

[@gerardoshaughnessy1924]

Thing is I've actually been to whistler ! I was blown away by what the area has to offer . Not just the biking but wildlife , Peak2peak, bars and nightlife . If you do get the chance to go , go. You won't regret it.

[@benconnelly5246]

Another great vid cheers Blake I going on a ride with the boys tomorrow and love how you always get me extra pumped for it 🤘😁

[@aldoalisa4512]

Few months in at 32 years old and i love it. Have a mate that has been through 5 bikes already and owns 3 different set ups lol

[@bladerr900]

Love watching your videos such energy and passion even for things that are not essential like clothes for riding makes me want to go home and get my EMTB out but working pays the bills and buys the EMTB Keep on putting those videos out mate 👍👍👍🇦🇺🇦🇺😷🚲

[@maddaftcunts]

All yous are my favourite mtb riders thank for the tips

[@raptormm4005]

Been wanting to get into it for over a year now. Seth and GMBN gave me enough info

[@gmbn]

That's brilliant! You won't regret getting into this great sport! Thanks for the support! 🙌

[@Henduro]

I was searching the same topic from today morning and suddenly your video came up😇😍🤘. What a wonderful video✨

[@JacquiPenar]

Blake wasn't wrong about needing 4 bikes though. lmao

[@botondmolnar335]

“Find out what your country has to offer” Us Hungarians, who live in the country famous for it’s huge plains: yes

[@Lugui367]

It is interesting how the concept of mountain biking changes in different places. Here in Brazil there are no trail bikes (I really tried to buy one), most people buy absurd xc bikes to ride on tarmac and dirt roads, basically the job of a gravel.

[@SyedAmermohiuddin]

I love that in the end he holds up four fingers. I'm only getting into MTB but I feel the same

[@abigailluna3525]

Your energy is contagious 🤩

[@chidiyaudi2474]

Man this guy has amazing delivery.

[@markbils4179]

I love riding bikes always had bikes but of late getting more into trail riding so bring on more videos...

[@johngreen787]

You're right Blake, another rad video, 🤘

[@mattyosborne1453]

Been into MTB for 12 months so far and up to two bikes already lol got a 100mm XC hardtail and just picked up a short 130mm travel trail dual suspension

[@olliejross]

Mountain biking is the best sport by far

[@alexcatto1432]

It's not a sport it's an extreme sport

[@ihatekpop7663]

Extreme sports falls under sports

[@itarry4]

It's a hobby..... 🤔 😉😅😎👀

[@Orionas_Sk]

I just know this is going to be a very good vid!

[@rodrigoperezdeltoro4001]

AMAZING Vid, Love you Blake!

[@jonbraid2520]

Dude, this is sick, downloaded the awesome Komoot app thanks to this video. 🤙

[@alexguir903]

The road bike part! Hilarious! the video is spot on for beginners.

[@R-cv5tv]

Haha Blake is such a crazy guy, always makes me smile 🙌🏼

[@BushcraftAI]

You are skillful and funny. And easy to understand. FC

[@rogergrant455]

I'm a "beginner". Have not ridden a bike in many years. Just bought a 2nd hand XC Specialized, loving the bike! Great video as always, Blake! Pure motivation. Keep up the good work. God Bless.

[@mtbwithterry7258]

Never too late, go out and enjoy!

[@GTMarmot]

@@mtbwithterry7258 Sometimes it is too late.

[@Mythzz]

@@GTMarmot that sounded so depressing :c

[@GTMarmot]

@@Mythzz Everyone cycles as a kid. You try and go back and do the same things, and even listen to the same music you did as a kid. It doesn't last because it's too late. Not interesting any more. You've got to keep things moving forward.

[@natemccalib2793]

Great recommendations on shorts guy!!! Great to hear about jerseys too.

[@PapDelakara]

I’m so glad you posted this. I’m trying to get into mountain biking. Just don’t have much money and don’t want to buy a crap bike

[@agrsk8r]

One option is to buy a cheap bike and upgrade it as you get more money. It'll likely cost a little more in the long run but it will get you on the trail sooner. My bike was $450 and I bought it back in 2012. Last year, I slowly put about $800 in upgrades into it and it feels like a new bike! Only the frame is original at this point.

[@sebastianmihaiprisacariu8975]

Absolutely love your vibe 😅

[@englinofamily2323]

I'm literally buying my first ever MTB this week and your video have made me exited even more :D HAHA thanks bruh! :)

[@blockin9556]

I got my first MTB last week and went on my first trail today, couldn't even ride the berms :(

[@DemonicVelocity]

I'm on my second bike now and Blake is right. Four seems like a legit number to aim for.

[@alexk5144]

You certainly can't argue this chap's enthusiasm. :)

[@lultje2]

Been tkinking about mtbing for to long now, and decided to start. After a long search, the Grand Canyon 6 came out as a winner. Only bad thing is i have to wait til June to get it :( More than enough time to watch all GMBN vid's!

[@rickbiessman6084]

"Now there’s 'going on a holiday' and there’s 'GOING ON A HOLIDAY'" Yeah mate :D Spot on!

[@meesch1208]

Brilliant! So much info shared and made me laugh as well. 👍

[@stukelful]

Pure Gold!!

[@simonroels6708]

Love the 'going on a holiday' part 😂

[@moparmtb360]

Welcome back you beautifoo peepo!

[@quentindfr]

Hahahaha laughed so much when you talked about road bikes ! 😂 Keep up the awesome content you beautiful people ! 🤘

[@kevl9609]

Was on the fence for an addition of a road bike, but Neil nailed it, don’t need one. :D

[@MoOutdoorsandReviews]

great tips, what a great sport

[@Rookiedriver87]

Love Blakes energy 😄

[@Jen_TheSnail]

I’ve never ridden a bike, I don’t know how to yet lol but I would love to learn cause mountain biking looks supper fun!

[@rohan6789]

This is the video i needed 👍👍

[@gmbn]

Nice!

[@magicunicorn6535]

.... "and then, there's going ON HOLIDAY!" I loved this video. It fueled my passion for watching even more of your videos. ;^)

[@ilikelampshades6]

I know youll feel silly but the Canadians have got it right with lumberjack shirts. Theyre extremely tough and snag-proof. Warmer than a tech top too so perfect for UK

[@julienhicks4822]

Watching this as what I'd call and expert mtb rider is great! 😂😎

[@uncopino]

i’ve been exploring some parks with short xc style trails for years on a 2003 giant with no protection gear at all. now bike parks are popping up around rome (where i live) and the closest ski resort opened up for bikes in the summer. so i got an enduro bike to give this mad sport a try (with gear on) for this season and see if it’s for me. i’m 35 so i’m not sure about chucking myself down extreme trails but we’ll see

[@The_RC_Dude]

Good thing Whistler is right above me, I'm in Washington, and Whistler is in British Columia, Canada! Only thing is, I don't have the skills to ride Whistler yet!

[@maushamneupane3095]

Love from Nepal🖤

[@styleyK]

😂 Blake you crack me up! I'm waiting patiently for my first proper modern mtb, a Ribble HT 725 sport (delivery not until July) aarhh. Hopefully this 50 Yr old newbie won't break himself on the first ride.

[@EDP-pp9ix]

Blake my favourite introducer 👏

[@adagtzmllb55]

I havent rode a bike sinc highschool im 30 now and cant wait to get my first scars, gear and bike is on the way.

[@ryanschabert2515]

Idk about the UK because I've never been there, but here in Minnesota a red trail is generally for more experienced riders than double blacks, usually the progression goes Green-Blue-Black-2x Black-Red. I feel like that's pretty consistent with the rest of NA as well although I could be wrong. Great vid tho!

[@vulpixgrant]

Ha I love it when he said 'Maybe 2 bikes.' Then held up 4 fingers. I have 4 bikes in the shed right now, a full suspension trail bike, a full ridged old mountain bike I turned into a touring bike, a single speed fat tire Mongoose beach cruiser, and..... A 'Fitness' Bike aka a road bike with flat handlebars. Honestly I love all 4 of them, even the fat tire Mongoose I bought as a joke off Marketplace.

[@TheJofrica]

On Instagram it's mostly just people doing huge jumps and maniac stunts that I probably never want to try. Are there any channels to follow where it's just like, normal people riding normal trails that entry-level people can do?

[@nathancantwell602]

BKXC and Singletrack Sampler are a good start. They are not beginners, nor are the trails they ride, but definitely more "just your average mountain biker" content, especially if you go back to their earlier content. You can learn of many more similar KZbin riders through their videos. For an interesting take on just "getting out on your bike" with insightful philosophical musings and general mtb zen, Shut up and Ride is worth a look.

[@TheJofrica]

@@nathancantwell602 Excellent, thank you so much for the info!

[@yengsabio5315]

I am a beginner. This video is a good starter for me! Have you had your coffee already? Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines!

[@Kalani-jz4qw]

Love ya blake MTB all the way!! 🚴🤙💪

[@olliedickason3248]

i still watch these even tho i’m not a full beginner

[@lilsnelf]

-Road bike! (but you don't need them....) LOL! Thank you, Blake!

[@natefrancia8870]

literally just had my first trail day today fucking loved it

[@werdnayrubdard4497]

Blake. Best presenter in GMBN.

[@KamoteMTB]

Thumbs up to this presentor 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ashwin69884]

9:00 I've never heard a statement more true

[@jamesstacey5408]

Hopefully buying a new hardtail very soon to get back into riding this year after not riding at all for around 15yrs. Excited but nervous, 36 seems too old for this now haha! Great vids tho guys! 👍

[@joshgrover]

Here in Australia our trails go: 💚 Green 💙 Blue 🖤 Black 🖤🖤 Double Black ❤️ Red / Pro Lines

[@anonym7990]

Does anyone else think this guy reminds a lot Alex from CarThrottle? ps. Great video!

[@quacktac]

I've only just gotten into motorcycling, this is another rabbit hole I really can't afford to go down!

[@joshsmgb7890]

I would love to see a tour of rogate bike park from you guys!!

[@szymi3126]

end is the best haha love thet look

[@UKSHARPSHOOTER78]

Love this guy go on ya mad basxxxrd 👏👏👏👏👏

[@freya6753]

I’m already a mountain biker but I’m still watching this 😎

[@sathyaprakashmba]

Great video. Really enjoyed it. 😂

[@muradkhammassi627]

Amazing video

[@bepp6120]

I crashed yesterday and my helmet now is damaged. My head, however seems fine and I can go ride again tomorrow :)

[@gmbn]

Oh no! It's best to get your head checked by a professional if your helmet has been damaged. Concussions can be nasty and it's best to be on the safe side!

[@danielekirylo]

buy a new helmet

[@zacharykaliski6408]

A friend got me into mtb and on my second time I crashed into a tree trying to do a jump I was NOT ready for 😂

[@itarry4]

Depending on the brand get in touch with the company who made your helmet. Some of them will either give you a new one or money off another if you send them the one you crashed. They can use them to learn new things and hopefully make better helmets, as I say though not every company offers it so... Hope you're all good though. If you can get checked though, even if you feel OK. Head injuries can be really tricky.

[@keithfurrow5899]

Sometimes the helmet manufacturer will give a discount when you return the busted helmet. give it a shot

[@CoCoNuT-dq7ez]

Boy am I glad to live near Whistler